Mark Your Calendar: Williams County, North Dakota Campsites Open Soon!

Winter will end. I promise. And if you live in western North Dakota, there’s a little slice of warm-weather hope coming your way—complete with campfires, lawn chairs, and at least one forgotten tent pole.

Set your alarm, charge your phone, and maybe practice your fastest mouse-clicking finger, because online campsite reservations for Williams County Parks open early Monday morning, March 2, 2026. Yes, early. Like “coffee first, camping second” early.

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Here’s How The Big Morning Shakes Out

At 9:00 a.m., reservations open for Kota Ray Dam, one of the most popular summer escapes in the county. Fifteen minutes later—at 9:15 a.m.—it’s go time for Little Egypt. Those 15 minutes may not sound like much, but in reservation time, that’s the difference between a lakeside view and a long walk to the restroom.

There’s more good news: Blacktail Dam will be open for camping this year. The only catch? Reservations won’t open until later this spring. So yes, you can camp there—but no, you can’t panic-book it just yet. Keep an eye out for updates and try not to refresh the page every five minutes.

A quick heads-up for planning purposes: Epping-Springbrook Dam will be closed this summer due to construction. It’s for the greater good, even if your favorite fishing spot has to take a season off.

Meanwhile, if you’re more of a spontaneous camper (or just missed the reservation window), McGregor Dam operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Translation: load up the truck, cross your fingers, and hope someone packed up early.

Read More: North Dakota’s Dating Scene Ranked Near the Bottom—But There’s Still Hope

Camping season in western North Dakota is short but sweet—and it always sneaks up on us right when winter fatigue hits its peak. These reservation openings are basically the unofficial signal that flip-flops, bug spray, and campfire hot dogs are on the horizon.

For full details, rules, and reservation links, check out Williams County Parks and get ready to trade snowbanks for sunsets. Summer is calling… and it wants you awake before 9 a.m.